Prospective Externship Programs

Prospective Externship Programs

Thank you for your interest in participating in the externship program at the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO). The off campus educational experience is invaluable to our students, and we are pleased to include practices and doctors who want to give back to their profession by “paying it forward” to their future colleagues. Our fourth year student rotations include Veterans Administration hospitals and outpatient clinics, private optometric well as optometric/ophthalmologic practices, military facilities, and community health centers that train students in different aspects of clinical experience including primary eyecare, specialty contact lenses, ocular disease, pediatrics and binocular vision, and low vision rehabilitation. As a preceptor, you will have access to our alumni magazineICO Matters, and have the opportunity to apply for an adjunct faculty position, which provides access to the Illinois College of Optometry online library resources and complimentary registration to our Continuing Education programs.

The requirements for precepting of ICO fourth year externship students are as follows:

Must be a multi-doctor practice, with at least two full time Doctors of Optometry.

All doctors must be practicing for at least five years or be residency trained.

Have a current, valid license to practice, have professional liability insurance and no current or pending malpractice claims against any doctor(s) or the facility.

Be willing to accept a student every quarter of the academic year, yet understand that there is no guarantee that you will have a student each quarter.

Be willing to treat your student (s) with respect, and as a valued member of your team.

*Please note that family members of current ICO students may not participate in the externship program due to concerns of conflict of interest.

Simply fill out the application, and return it, along with the requested supporting documentation. The Assistant Dean for Community Based Education, Dr. Elyse Chaglasian, will review the materials and contact you. Thank you again for your interest in being part of our team!

VISION THERAPY

“A little boy, 8 years old, came to us because he had double-vision, blur up close, trouble with concentration, reading skills, and really bad headaches, too. His family lived about an hour and a half away. He had been diagnosed with a need for vision therapy, but they didn’t have any therapy out by them that they could afford. They drove here every Saturday for about 4 months- really dedicated. After treatment was done, there was a massive decrease in the frequency of his headaches. He had no more double vision and could read comfortably. His self-esteem improved dramatically. He even learned to ride a bike.

I’m looking forward to having more efficient patient care thanks to the Dr. Robert and Lena Lewenson Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Center. I look around, and am so ready for this facelift. We do so much good for so many patients that can’t get care elsewhere. The more we can uphold that, the more we can do for our patients.”

– Valerie Kattouf, Chief of Pediatrics/Binocular Vision Service

READ FOR SUCCESS

“Reading is daily routine for my kids. My wife and I read to our daughters, Reese and Tessa, every night, and they read for themselves, too. They love everything from chapter books to graphic novels. Tessa’s reading level, in particular, has increased significantly. Both girls are both A-students; Tessa’s teacher even says she can get up in front of the class and say how she figured out a math problem. We regularly take them to the pediatrician, and their doctors always pay close attention to vision.

Studies done by the Illinois Eye Institute and other optometric institutions say that eye exams improve children’s reading ability and performance in school. I see that correlation in my own children. I am donating to the Dr. Robert and Lena Lewenson Pediatric and Binocular Vision Center because I’d like all children to see the same success in school that my daughters have seen.”

INFANT VISION THERAPY

“I hadn’t thought about ‘pediatrics’ for over 20 years since my girls were little. However, just recently, our 6-month-old grandson visited Dr. Valarie Kattouf for his infant eye exam. It was amazing to watch Dr. Valarie handle the very uncooperative baby. She examined and dilated him, all while explaining to a third year student, and to my daughter, and to the hovering grandmother (me) what she was doing and her findings. We were four adults, one baby, and lots of equipment all in a tiny space, and Dr. Kattouf never missed a beat.

With my renewed interest in pediatrics because of my new title as Grammy, I am pledging my donation to the ICO’s new Dr. Robert and Lena Lewenson Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Center. I am so excited to see the renovated space open up for our young patients, and to give some room for our faculty and students to perform their work.”

– Laura Rounce, Vice President of Administration

VISION THERAPY

“A little boy, 8 years old, came to us because he had double-vision, blur up close, trouble with concentration, reading skills, and really bad headaches, too. His family lived about an hour and a half away. He had been diagnosed with a need for vision therapy, but they didn’t have any therapy out by them that they could afford. They drove here every Saturday for about 4 months- really dedicated. After treatment was done, there was a massive decrease in the frequency of his headaches. He had no more double vision and could read comfortably. His self-esteem improved dramatically. He even learned to ride a bike.

I’m looking forward to having more efficient patient care thanks to the Dr. Robert and Lena Lewenson Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Center. I look around, and am so ready for this facelift. We do so much good for so many patients that can’t get care elsewhere. The more we can uphold that, the more we can do for our patients.”

– Valerie Kattouf, Chief of Pediatrics/Binocular Vision Service

SPORTS VISION THERAPY

“My sons, Leo and Drake, are always asking to join something- basketball, soccer… they asked for martial arts for six months! Sports are great exercise for the body, and I want my kids to be competitive playing on teams with their friends. Given the option between the iPad and sports for my children, I always choose sports.

For any contact sport, the cost of sports goggles is not too high compared to the risk for injury. Regular frames can break. Many parents do not know how important sports vision is. I don’t think anything was mentioned on Leo’s soccer team about sports goggles. When patients come to the IEI, we can educate them. The new Dr. Robert and Lena Lewenson Pediatric and Binocular Vision Center will benefit therapy, patient care, and student education.

Every Giving Tuesday, we donate to the College, and this year, I will do it for the children! They are our future. Protect our future.”